D1TQlt,25&/ 
iiuiullluHniii 


No  i:h. 
THE 


lMlMfl!(yitM)SPIIl 


MEMCBRS 

OF 

I'ROFKSSOU     IN    T1IK     URIVEI16TTY     OF     YIKCIMA- 
LT.    COL,, OF    FIRST     REW't.,     VA.    AKT1  LLDMft ' 

BY  J.  L.  BURROWS,  D.  Ti 


Mi* 


THE 


CHRISTIAN  SCHOLAR  AND  SOLDIER. 


BY  J.  L.  BURROWS,  D.  D. 


In  the  history  of  the  Church  are  to  be  found  recorded  in 
each  generation,  the  names  of  a  few  disciples  of  Jesus,  who 
have  manifestly  and  practically  subordinated  all  earthly  in- 
terests to  the  higher  claims  of  piety-  Not  in  indefinite  theo- 
ry, which  all  accept,  but  by  spirit  and  life,  they  have  revealed 
to  the  world,  that  they  were  seeking  "  first  the  kingdom  of  God 
and  His  righteousness."  They  have  4*  let  their  light  so  shine 
before  men,  that  the  world  has  seen  their  good  works  and 
glorified  the.  Father  in  Heaven/'  While  "diligent  in  busi- 
ness; they  have  been  fervent  in  spirit,  f-erving  the  Lord." 

Thi3  class  of  Christians — always,  alas!  too  lew  in  number — 
may  prosecute  wiih  dilligence  and  earnestness,  their  honest, 
secular  business,  perform  promptly  and  faithfully  every  world- 
ly duty,  but  they  evince  so  that  it  becomes  recognized  by  all 
farailar  with  them,  that  the  spirit  of  consecration  to  Christ 
Jesus,  overrides  oil  other  interests.  They  are  "always  ready 
to  every  good  work  " 

Industrious  as artizans,  earnest  as  Christians;  effective  aa 
merchants,  (devout  as  disciples  of  Jesus;  thorough  and  enthu- 
siastic as  students  of  worldly  lore,  most  learned  in  the  word  ' 
ot  God;  brave  and  enduring  as  soldiers  fighting  for  homes 
and  liberties,  bolder  and  firmer  as  soldiers  marshalled  under 
the  banner  of  Christ  Jesus. 

Such  in  humble  life  was  John  Pounds,  the  crippled  cobbler 
of  Portsmouth,  England}  who  made  his  shop  six  feet  by  eigh- 
teen, a  school-room,  and  hired  wi  b   roast  potatoes  il  the  lit* 


"tie  blackguards,"1  as  ho  called  them,  of  the  docks  and  a°^ 
to  co,tue  to  him  -and  ait  vjy  his  stall  while  he  worked,  an-t 
tau  gin     bow  to   road,    write,  and    cypher  5  thus   gratuitously 
establishing  the  first  *  ragged  school.1*  1 

Such. was    HarUr.  Page,  a  carpenter,  who  respectfully  an 
tenderly,  either  id  personal  conversation  or  by  letter,  afiuies?^ 
<ed  e?ery  person  to  whom  he  could  with  propriety  gam  Ac«?es% 
upon  the  claims  of  Jesus  and  the  necessity  of  a  pk  «)S  K«fe»* 

Such  a  consecrated   life  was  that  of  Samuel  Budget t  whoso^ 
Jurat  trade  was  with  a  horse  shoe,  picked  up  in  the  r.oad,  car-  . 
tfied    three  miles  and   sulci,,  for  a   penny,  and  who    gradually 
worked  himseir  'by  energy  and  industry,  into  the  front  rank  of. 
princely  English  merchants,  scattering  munificent   Christian 
charities  all  along  1  is  pathway,  maintaining  an  hnmble,  devout 
and  benevolent  heart,  and  declaring  when  on  his  death  bed, — 
'*  Riches  I   have  had  as  much  as   my  heart  couid  desire,  but  I; 
never  felt  any  pleasure    in  them   for.  their  own  eake?  only  80^ 
far  as  they  enabled  me  to  give  pleasure  to  others." 

Such  was  Nathaniel  Ripley. Cobb,  who  At  twenty-three  years^ 
of  age,  upon  entering  business,  soleumly  "  Resolved  by  the- 
grace  of- God-never  to  be  wor-Ui  more  than  $5.0,000;"  an^. 
who  when, his  for.tun  ;  reached  that  point,  notwithstanding  gteai 
liberality  in  his  charities  meanwhile,  conscientiously  gaVe  aWay 
to  benevolent  purposes  the  whole  accumulating  surplus,  eviiv- 
cing,  all  the  while,  a  personal  devotedness  that  improved  all 
opportunities  for  doing  good,  and  who  died  at  the  age  of  thir- 
ty-six, directing  that  his  epitaph  should  be  *l  Christ  is  my 
hope." 

•Such  a  Christian  was  our  own  James  C.  Crane,  whose  life  was 
consecrated  first  to  Christ  and  His  c&use,  and  who  suffered  no 
business  engagements,  however  pressing  or  promising  profit, 
to  interfere  with  his  religious  duties. 

Such  a  Christian,  n8  a  student  and  a  philosopher,  was  Sir 
Isaac  Newton,  whose  profoundest  researches,  passing  beyond 
the  measurement  and  weighing  of  stars,  demonstrated  the 
truth  and  precionsness  of  God's  word,  and  who,  when  dying, 
loyfully  anticipated  exploring -the  treasures  of  the  immense 
ocenn  of  truth,  upon  the  pebbled  shore  of  which  he  deemed 
that  he  had  only  been  playing  as  a  child. 
As  soldiers,  this  spirit  of  consecration  b^s  produced  such,  • 


men  as  Col.  Gardiner  and  Headly,  Viekara'as  Haveloek,  who««- 
pious  influence  over  his  regiment,  procured  for  them  the  play- 
sou 'riquet  of  "  Havelock's  Saints  " — and  our  o«vn  Jackson — 
the  most  eminent  trait  of  whose  character  was,  not  courage, 
nor  genius,  nor  ouergy,  n-or  endurance,  conspicuous  as  these 
wero,  but  simple  and  earnest  piety. 

Such  a  Christian,  too,  in  his  sphere,  as  a  scholar  and  a  sol- 
dier, was  Lewis  Minor  .Coleman,  a  gratefultribute  to  whose 
memory,  as  one  of  our  own  young  men,  we  propose  in  this 
little  tract  to  furnish.. 

Lewis  M.  Coleman  was  born  in  Hanover  county ,Va.,  February 
3d.  1827.  l!is  father,  Thomas  B.  Culeman,  was  a  prominent 
and  honored  citizen  of  .Caroline  county,  connected  with  its 
most  influential  families,  and  for  several  years- its  representa- 
tive in  the  Virginia  Assembly.  He  died  in  the  prime  of  life 
and  while  his  cWldren  were  yet  very  young.  His  mother, 
Maty  O.  Coleman,  was  the  daughter  ot  -Robert  Coleman,  or 
Hanover  county,  a  gemleman  highly  esteemed  for  bis  probity 
and  benevolence.  After  the  death  of  her  first  husband,  Mrs. 
Coleman  returned  to  Chantilly,  her  father's  home,  always  the 
abode*  of  refinement  and  hospitality,  and  subsequently  married 
Dr,  George  Fleming. 

As  a  boy  Lewis  was  thoughtful,  affectionate  and  studious. 
From  childhood  he  cherished  reverence  and  love  for  his 
parents,  which -manifested  it3elf  in  uniform  and  unquestioning 
obedience,  and  in  anxiety  to  please  them  and  gain  their  ap- 
proval. A3  tlie  elder  brother  in  the  family,  he  was  devoted 
and  faithful,  reproving  earnestly  what  he  deemed  errors  and 
faults,  yet  in  such  a  spirit  of  tenderness  anil  affection  as  ever 
to  knit  more  closely  the  bands  of  love  that  unijed  them. 

In  promoting  the  happiness  of  a  growing  family,  much  de- 
pends upon  the  character  and  Vpirit  of  the  eldest,  child,  who  is 
the  more  immediate  pattern  to  the  younger,  with  whom  they 
are  more  closely  associated,  and  whose  temper  and  habits  are, 
of  necessity,  most  directly  watched  and  imitated.  It  has  been 
remarked,  that  boys,  reared  in  companionship  with  a  loving 
aud  cultivated  elder  sister,  are  likely  to  be  more  gentle,  un- 
B«  •  fish  and  affect  om!e,  more  free  from  rude  and  boisterous 
habits,  than  others.  Favorable  results  necessarily  follow  such 
8    set moulding  control-    Young  Coleman   seems  to  have  ex- 


ertedjgjw  tf;e  yeAjsger  naeuibos  of  the  ri*irg  family,  an  influ- 
euce*S>mewha*t  akin  to  a  sister's  in  its  tenderness,  yet  manly. 
in  its  tendencies  to  honor,  tru'bfulness  :ind  self-reliance  ' 

The  life  and  character  of  Lewis  Minor  Coleman,  furnishes 
another  illustration  to  the  long  catalogue,  exhibiting  the 
influence  of  a. pious  mother's  training.  What  St.  Paul  averred 
concerning'young  Timothy  might  be  appropriately  said  of  him, 
"the  unfeigned  faith  that 'is  in  thee  dwelt  first  in  thy  grand- 
mother Lois,  and  in  thy  mother  Eunice."  He  <  often 
said  thaj^whatever  of  gocd  there  was  in  his  nature  or  life,  he 
owed  to  his  mother.  She  exerted  a  vigorous  and  practical, 
yet  loving  influence- in  training  her  children*  no'  weakly  shrink- 
ing'' from  chastisement,  prompt,  fir-g  and  unalterable  in 
her  decisions,  yet  so  manifestly  just  ana  sffeetionate  as  to  win 
confidence,  respect  .and  love.  T  e  mothers  most  slighted, 
least  respeeted  by  ehildren  when  grown,  are  just  "those  who 
have  tteen  most  weakly  indulgent,  who  have  restr  ined  and 
controlled  their  qhWdren  least  when  they  were  young. 

A  lifclde  incident  will  illustrate  both  the  dificipl  ne  of  the 
mothe*  and  the  marked  character  of  the  boy.  The  two  elder 
l*rothers.  me^h  alike  as  to  size  and  dress,  had  been  set  to  some 
Tight  task  in  dhe  yard.  Upon  some  sudden  boyish  quarrel,  the 
younger  struck  Lewis  a  blow  under  which  he  fell  to  the  ground, 
dhist  passing  the  window,  the  mother  caught  a  glimpse  of  the 
fray,  andj-hastening  towards  them,  found  the  younger  prostrate 
upon  the  ground,  where  he  had  thrown  himself  in  his  excite- 
ment, and  in  order  to  deceive  the  coming  mother  into  the  be- 
lief that  lie  was  the  injured  party,  and  Lewis  standing  in  a 
threatening  posture  over  him.  Taking  it  for  granted  that  the 
blow  had  been  given  by  Lewis  she  took  him  by  the  arm,  broke 
a  switch  from  a  convenient  HI  .c  bush,  and  punished  him.  He 
simply  said,  "  Mother,  I  did  not  strike  him.!'  Supposing  she. 
could  trust  her  own  eyes,  she  whipped  him  again  for  telling  a 
falsehood,  and  yet  once  more  for  persisting  in  it.  He  brought 
no  accusation  against  his  brother,  never  reproached  him  for 
the  blow,  norfor  his  silence  in  permitting  him  to  receive  an  unjusft 
chastisement,  and  without  any  allusion  to  the  circumstance,  he 
resumed  at  once  his  ordinary  pleasant  intercourse 

Years  passed' and  both  were  grown.     One  day  in  speaking  oF 
Lewis,  thea  aW»t,  the  mother  observed,  UI  never   kaew  kitu 


„to  tell  a  falsehood  ererea  to  prevaricate,  but  onee>  and  for  that 
I  never  could  account."  "  Mother,"  3aid  the  -  brother,  "  that 
matter  has  troubled  my  conpcience  for  a  long  time.  Your 
eyes  deceived  you.  I  struck  the  blow  you  saw  given  and 
Lewis  toll  the  truth."  "  Big  as  you  are,"  replied  the  mother, 
"  I  have  a  great  mind  to  whip  you  for  it  now.'' 

His  mother  was  literally  and  practically  the  early  educator 
of  her  children.  She  directed  their  studies  and  heard  their 
daily  recitations.  When  at  11  or  12  years  of  age,  Lewis  grad- 
uated from  this  home  school,  and  entered  the  more  public 
school  at  Col.  Fontaine's  in  Hanover  county.  He  was  pro- 
nounced the  best  prepared  boy  at  the  school.  He  frequently 
said  that  whatever  profiiien-ey  he  had  attained  as  a  student, 
was  attributable  to  the  thorough  grounding  in  ^primary  studies, 
and  the  right  habits  of  accurate  study,  imparted  by  his  moth- 
er's toaching. 

A.  passing  hint  is  here  suggested  which  young  mothers  may 
profitably  ponder. 

One  who  was  intimately  associated  w-hh  bim  in  childhood, 
youth  and  manhood,  at  the  academy  and  the  University,  his 
room-mate  at  both,  and  his  trusted  friend  tii1  death,  Major 
Charles  Morris,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  ninny  of  these  in- 
teresting reminiscences,  says  of  him  :  *'  My.  earliest  distinct 
recollection  of  him  was  as  a  boy  of  seven  or  ei-'htr  years  old. 
T  remember  him  as  sprightly  and  joyonn  anil  oven  then,  to  my 
boyish  recollection,  evincing  those  amiable  and  winning  traits 
toward  his  companions  which  eminently  distinguished  him 
through  life.  1  remember  .that  then  he  was  fur  beyond  boys 
of  his  age,  (he  was  nearly  a  year  younger  than  myself,)  in  in- 
formation, and  distinctly  recall  a  pang  of  envy  that  I  felt,  at 
seeing  him  open  an  atlas  and  speak  familiarly  of  places  upon 
ib,  of  which  I  knew  nothing  till  years  after,  and  of  his  being 
held  up  as  a  boy  for  me  to  emulate.  I  believe  that  this,  per- 
haps,-was  the  commencement  of  a- friendly  emulation  which 
never  ceased  dming  our.  whole  school  and  college  life,  but 
which  never   ruffled  our   intimacy  or  did  ought  but  service  to 

both." 

In  1841,  young  ©oleman  entered  Concord  Academy,  in  Caro- 
line county,  a  school  of  which  his  distinguished  uncle,  Frederick 
W.  Coleman,  Afterwards  for  several  years  a  prominent  member 


of  the  Virginia  Senate,  was  proprietor  and  principal  and 
which  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  thorough  and  effective 
institutions  of  its  class  in  the  Southern  country.  It  is  the  con- 
current testimony  of  his  associates,  that  he  was  admired  and 
loved  by  all  his  companions,  and  what  can  rarely  be  said  ot 
any  youth,  was  at  the  same  time  plainly  the  favorite  of  \he 
teacher,  and  yet  the  favorite  of  the  students.  Cheerful, 
sprightly,  jocund  in  his  intercourse  with  his  fellows,  ready  and 
eager  in  all  youthful  sports,  he  was  yet  so  manly,  truthful  and 
prudent,  that  he  excited  no  enmities,  and  compelled  respect 
and  deference. 

Petulant  and  ill-natured  criticism  of  officials  and  superiors, 
is  a  weakness  of  human  nature,  developed,  not  only  in  time  of 
war,  and  by  editors  and  grumblers,  who  would   be  men  of  stu- 
pendous intellect  and  influence  if  their  wisdom   only  equalled 
their   self-conceit,   but    it    is     a    weakness    incident,    as    v  e 
know,  even  to  student  life.     Indeed,  it   is  not  unlikely,  could 
we  trace  out  the  biographies  of  men,  that  we  should  find  that 
the  carpers  and  snarlers  of  the  press,  the  bar  room  and  street 
corners,  were  the  carpers  and  snarlers  of  the  academy  and  col- 
lege.    One  of  the  boys  at  Concord  Academy,  irritated  by  some 
fancied  grievance  from  the  teacher,  was  abusing  liim,  roundly 
to  a  gathered  group  of  boys,  and  relieving   his  spleen  by  call- 
ing him  '*  Old  Fred,"  when  glancing  behind  him  he  saw  Lewis 
Minor   gravely   standing    within    ear   shot.     He    immediately 
turned  to  him,  with  a  frank  apology  for  what  he  had  said,  assu- 
ring him  that  he  meant  no  harm  and  begged  him  to  forget  it. 
Now  a    little   incident  of  this  sort   shows  the  estimate  of   his 
character,  and    the  regard   for  his  feeling  formed  by  his  com- 
panies of  whom  he  wa-  among  the  youngest.     It  was  a  spon- 
taneous testimony  of  the  respect  which  he  personally  inspired. 
In  iudustry  and  thoroughness  of  preparation  for  recitations, 
he  stood   first  in  all  his  classes.     Especially  did   he  excel  in 
acquiring  languages.     At   the  same  tune'he  pursued  quite*  an 
extensive  course  of  general  reading,  which  his  tenacious  and 
accurate    memory  so    arranged  among  its    stores,  as   to  leave 
ever  ready  for  prompt  use.     He  did  not  confine  his  studies  to 
the  prescribed  curriculum.     "He  proposed   to  me,"  says  Maj. 
Morris,  u  and  in  spite  of  many  short-comings  on  my  part,  per- 
sistently carried  out  his  plan,  that  we  shouFd  lead  together  i0 


our  leisure  hours  all  the  plays  of  Sophocles,  so- as  to  gain  so  mueh 
advantage  when  we  should  enter  the  University.  Often  since 
have  I  had  cause  to  thank  him  for  this  wtell  timed  dilligence." 

A  lad  of  14,  who  can  thus  impose  upon  himself  extra  studies, 
.  and  perseveringly  prosecute  them  while  at  school,  will  be  like- 
ly to  leave  his  mark  upon  the  world. 

Always  cheerful  and  sprightly,  ready  for  any  innocent  sport, 
he  still  maintained  an  unspotted  moral  reputation,  steadfastly 
resisting  all  allurements  to  youthful  vices,  and  exhibiting  a 
strict  integrity  and  manly  sense"  of  honor,  evincing  that  even 
then  his  actions  Were  controlled  by  fixed  principles,  deliberate- 
ly formed,  and  from  which  by  no  temptations  could  he  be  swer- 
ved. A  naturally  quick  temper  he  had  already  learned  to 
keep  under  control,  so  that  one  of  his  classmates  avers:  "I 
never  knew  him  to  have  a  quarrel.''  In  religious  services,  he 
was  always,  reverentiul  and  attentive,  exhibiting"  thus  early 
that  veneration  for  truths  divine,  which  ripened  into  a  most 
lovely  and  devout  Christian  character  r.nd  life.  Of  this  part 
of  his  life  his  school  fellows  still  speak  with  enthusiastic  ad- 
miration, and  there  were  formed  friendshisp  which  were  inter- 
rupted Only  by  death. 

In  181:4  when  about  1 7  years  old,  Lewis  entered  the  Uni- 
versity of  Virginia.  With  the -tearful  and  prayerful  messing 
of  his  mother,  a's  she  parted  from  him,  wringing  tears  trom  his 
own  eyes,  he  passed  out  to  the  carriage  that  was  to  bear  him 
away.  His  aged  Grandfather  with  bis  old  world  ideas  of  the 
dissipations  and  frolic  abandon  of  College  life,  followed  him 
out,  and  hiking  him  by^he  hand  said  ;  u  My  son,  don't  drink 
too  much,  and  be  sure  to  pay  your  debte,  cw  let  me  knaw  and 
I  will  pay  them  for  you."  With  a  cheerful  smile  he  readily 
promised  to  duly  regard  the  old  Gentleman's  warning,  and  as 
they  rode  away  sail  to  his  companion  "  Grandpa  seems  fo  have 
m  feai-3  concerning  me  which  Mother  has  not,  I, hope  she  knows 
me  best."  The  result  proved  that  the  mothers  iustinctive 
knowledge  of  the  heart  of  her  boy  was  truest. 

His  room  mate  and  class  mate  while  at  the  UnivessUy,  thus 
writes  6f  jthis  part  of  his  life  "  He  too&  his  usual  high  stand 
in  the  clashes  and  among  the  students.  His  reputatien  as  a 
student  and  scholor  had  preceded  him,  and  his  actual  merivts 
showed  uot   undeservedly.     Here  a£am  he  met  v$fo   many  oT 


hispid  schoolmates.  Ah  the  benu'iful  traits  of  his  boyhood 
were  deep;  ned  and  intensified.  Keeping  steadily  before  him 
the  objects  he  had  in  view,  through  an  University  education  he 
permitted  none  of  the  allurements  of  (-Indent  life  to  wile  him  from 
his  persevering  pursuit  of  learning.  13is  strong  and  inborne 
sense  of  right  and  honor,  and  the  ever  remembered  admoni- 
tions ot  his  Mother  held  him  aloof. from  all  the  dissij  atior.8 
and  vices  of  oollege  Mfe.  And  yet  none  «r»8  more  ready  than 
he  to  take  part  in  all  innocent  and  cheerful  social  enjoymen's. 
No  one  was  more  sought  out  by  the  quiet  and  studious  mem- 
bers of  the  Uniwwily.  at  their  social  gatherings,  where  his 
gaiety,  brilliant?  find  wit  were  always  theJife  of  the  party.  His 
progress  in  the  Studies  of  the  school  was  rapid  Ana  thorough, 
Gaining  the  hi^hf-eflt  reputation  for  scholarship,  le  passed 
thr.  ugh  the  d Wit1  nit  curriculum  of  the  University  course  in 
two  years. 'T 

It  is  understood  thai,  the  student  who  after  a  two  yeare 
course,  applies  for  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts,  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  Virginia,  will  likely  be  subjected  to  a  most  rigorous 
examination,  that  wjll  be  fitted  to  humble  his  presumption  if 
not  thoroughly  prepared.  Triumphantly  he  passed  through 
this  ordeal,  graduating  in  every  school  with  honor  and  with 
The  loving  benediction  of  his  Alma  Mater,  received  the  highest 
honors  she  bestows,  before  he  was  nineteen  years   old. 

And  now  in  what  direction  will  this  youthful  graduate  urn  hie 
first  thoughts  ?  Elated  by  his  successes  and  honors,  flatu-red  and 
caressed,  by  his  friends,  w  th  a  brilliant  future  £pe  .'ng  before 
him,  will  be  deem  life's,  work  accomplished.  thr<"w  off  the  re- 
straints of  modesty  and  integrity  and  become  ^roud,  wilful, 
?e.lf- reliant  and  reckless,  Let  us  see.  Returning  to  Chamily, 
H  w$&  observed  that  ke  seemed  serious  and  depressed.  So 
puffmnl  a  contrast  did  *his  mood  present  to  his  uniform  buoyant 
cheerfulness,  that  his  watchful  Mother  feared  that  some  con- 
cealed fault  or  misfortune  was  distressing  his  soul.  "Ho  courted 
solitude  ;»spen't  mueh  time  alone.  At  length  she  ventured  to 
enquire  what  caused  him  so  much  evident  anxiety  and  distress. 
Hfe  answered  Luer,  that  he  f*lt  himself  to  be  a  great  sinner 
against  God's  laws  ;  that  although  he  had  from  childhood  re- 
ceived and  enjoyed  the  r'uhest  bounties  of  Providence,  he  hud 
caef*SH*d  an  tn4fro1tofttl  and  impenitent  spirit;  that  while  noth- 


10 

ittg  lie  could  wi*h  for  had  boen  witheld  from  Klra,  while  bia- 
sings infinitely  more  precious  than  he  had  deserved,  or  could 
have^  dared  to  ask  had  been  lavished  upon  him,  all  these 
blessing  he  had  selfishly  appropriated  to-his  own  enjoyment 
and  desire  for  worldly  distinction,  while  all  the  time  he  had 
beMi  guiltily  unmindful  of  the  beneficent  God  who  had  be- 
stowed them.  He  exhibited  profound  distress  and  self  abhor- 
rence that  hehad  lived  so  long  unreconciled  to  God,  unwon 
by  the  grace  and  love  of  Jesus  the  Saviour.  He.  earnestly 
expressed  his  purpose  to  consecrate  his  heart  and  life  tolhe 
service  of  God,  to  make  His  word  his  st  dy,  that  he  might 
understand  His  will,  and"  to  brin^  hi*  spirit  and  conduct  into 
conformity  with  its  precepts.  In  his  peculiarly  brilliant  and 
felicitous  conversational  manner  he  would  expatiate  on  the 
wonders  and  beauties  of  God's  Holy  word,  which,  though  he 
had  read  it  from  childhood,  seemed  now  to  open  upon  his  mina\ 
as  freshly  and  forcibly  as  a  new  revelation.  With  a  deeper 
interest-  than  he  had  ever  taken  in  his  ordinary  studies,  because 
he  felt  that  his  eternal  well  being  and  happiness  were  involved 
in  his  researches,  he  enteryd  upon  the  study  of  the  Book  of 
God,  until  satisfied  o»f  its  truth  and  divine  inspiration,  he 
joyfully  yielded  his,  soul  to. the  method  of  salvation  through 
the  Mediator,  which  it  revealed,  took  into  his  heart  its  precious 
promises,  and  solemnly ,  resolved"  to  subject  his  soul  and  life 
to  its  commandments. 

Here  he  passed  through  that  marvellous  internal  change 
which  the  Scripttfres  call  being  "  born  again"  "created  anew 
in  Christ  Jesus,''  and  which  transforms  its  subject  from  a  car- 
nal to  a  spiiitual  man.  He  now  saw  that  life  had  other  and 
nobler  ends  than  he  had  hitherto  proposed  to  himself,  and  with 
the  decision  that  always  characterized  hid  nature,  without* 
weak  procrastination,,  he  formally  and  solemnly  consecrated 
soul  and  body  to  the  service  of  that  Jesus  who  had  died  for 
him.     This  i.s  what  he  did  ! 

And  is  there  not  something  morally  sublime  in  this  delib- 
erate choice?  Just  now,  while  life  was  opening  beautiful  vistas 
before  his  imagination,  triumphs  and  honors  La  the  past,  point? 
ing  forward  to  triumphs  and  honors  in  the  foturfi,  while  the 
world  was  luring  him  to  its  pleasures  and  rewards,  he  renoun- 
ces that  world  as  his  portion  and  joy,  and. solemnly  and  deliH** 


11 

irately  devotes  himsetf  to  a  self  denying  life  for  others  good, 
and  for  God'>  glory.  Here  is  an  example  for  young  men, 
standing  yet  upon  the  threshold  of  home,  looking  ou<,  and 
about  to  leap  into  the  arena  of  business  strife,  which  we  may 
well  commend  to  their  consideration. 

About  this  time  Lewis  visited  Richmond  with  his  parents. 
On  tho  evening  of  the  weekly  lecture  at  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  he  left  a  circle  of  young  companions,  somewhat 
chagrined  by  his  withdrawal  from  the  gav  gathering,  and  with 
out  any  intimation  of  bis  purpose,  accompanied  his  Father  and 
the  elder  members  of  the  family  to  the  lecture.  At  the  close 
of  the  service  he  modestly  expressed  his  desire  to  unite  with 
the  Church,  and  to  receive  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  (living 
clear  evidince  of  the  renewing  .work  of  God's  Spirit  upon  his 
heart,  he  was  received  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Church  and 
the  next  evening  November  12th,  184G.  he  was  solemnly  bap- 
tized by  Rev.  Dr,  Jeter.  He  had  not  yet  reached  the  20th 
year  of  his  age.  Thus  early  he  brought  the  honors  he  had 
won,  the  endowments  with  which  he  was  so  liberally  gifted,  Hie 
anticipations  of  the  future  opening  so  brightly  before  him,  and 
"laid  all  humbly  at  the  foot  of  CHirist's  Cross.  A  most  appro- 
priate and  auspicious  hour  was  this  when  just  about  selecting 
his  profession  for  life,  and  entering  upon  its  a<  tive  duties,  he 
publicly  avouched  his  faith  in  Jesus,  and  united  himself  in  sol- 
emn covenant  with  His  disciples. 

Here  is  a  pattern  worthy  of  being  copied  by  our  young  men. 
How  many,  who  have  disappointed  the  hopes,  which  fine 
talents  and  careful  culture  have  raised,  would  have  been  saved 
an  useless,  injurious,  wretched  life,  an  early  and  hopeless  death, 
by  thus  sincerely  and  intelligently  dedicating  their  youth  to 
-God,  and  throwing  around  themselves  the  encouragements 
and  restraints  of  a  religious  profession. 

Having  deliberately  devoted  his  life  to" the  profession  of 
teaching,  young  Coleman  accepted  the  invitation  of  his  uncle, 
Mr.  F.  W  Coleman  and  became  his  assistant  in  Concord 
Academy.  * 

,;  The  difficulties  "  says  one  of  his  friends  "  which  surround 
an  assistant  Teacher,  in  a  large  public  school,  are  well  known 
and  have  been  often  sketched.  It  is  rare  that  a  subordinate 
can  even  e&taia  tie  respect  of  the  pupils  e'r  that  controlling 


12 

influence  over  them,  which  will  enable  hu»  te>  «ons|ttALHl  obedi- 
ence and  attention.  To  this  difficult  task  he.  was  found  fully 
equal.  He  was  universally  popul.'.r  with  thja  students.  He 
here  commenced  to  develop  that  wonderful  facility-  of  control- 
ling boys,  which  so  eminently  Oistinguished  him  in  after  life." 
After  a  few  years  the  Concord  Academy  was  closed,  and  Mr% 
Coleman  established  the  Hanover  Academy,  nearTaylorsville. 
This  was  one  ot  tho-e  -Admirable  country  boarding  schools, 
where  removed  from  the  enticements  and  corruptions  of  the 
City,  young  men,  gathered  into  a  rural  home,  forming  a  family, 
of  which  the  Principal  is  the  head,  lay,  in  mental  culture,  the 
basis,  of  futnre  enjoyment  and  usefulness.  Under  the  man- 
agement of  Mr.  Coleman,  *,he  Hanover  Academy,  was  among 
the,  first  of  its  noble  class, 

His  reputation  for  scholarship,  I113  pure  personal  chnracter, 
his  previous  experience  at  Concord,  and  the  popularity  he  had 
Acquired  amomj  the  students,  combined  to  ensure  yuccess  from 
the  commencement. 

His  school  was  uniformly  filled  with  students  to  the.  utmost 
capacity  of  its  gradually  enlarging  accommodations.  They 
came  from  all  sections  of  our  Southern  country,  and  applica- 
tions were  more  numerous  than  places.  His  labors  were  very 
arduous.  He  neglec'ed,  he  postponed  no  present  duty.  Visi- 
tors most  welcome,  friends  most  beloved,  while  tarrying  under 
his  roof,  could  not  detain  him  from  the  ordinary  drudging  du- 
ties of  his  profession.  From  the  most  genial  and  interesting 
society  he  would  tear  himself  away,  to  correct  exercises  or  at- 
tend to  the  petty  details  of  business,  saying  with  a  pleasant 
smile,  l<  you  must  excuse 'me,  but  I  must  tramp  on  the  tread 
mill."  '       ~ 

Rev.  Dr,  Taylor  for  several  years  his  Pastor,  says  :  4{  He 
possessed  a  wonderful  administrative  talent  in  the  manage- 
ment of  his  school.  With  from  s^ixty  to  an  hundred  young  men 
under  his  care,  all  to  teach  and  feed  and  lodge,  he  so  arranged 
as  to  give  general  satisfaction  in  these  different  departments, 
and  all  with  remarkable  judgment  and  seli-possrssion.  He 
never  seemed  in  a  hurry.  He  was  an  admirable  disciplinarian. 
The  vicious  he  knew  how  to  restrain  and  punish,  with  rigor 
and  firmness,  'ihile  the  inconsiderate  and  erring  h&  knew  how 
to  admonish  and  influence  for  good." 


His  students  were  found  upon  examination  thoroughly  pre- 
pared for  the  University  cootse  and  took  high  rank  in  that  In- 
stitution- He  thus  too,  in  connection  with  worthy  cotempora- 
neous  teachers,  contributed  inneu  to  tlevate  the  grade  of 
scholarship  in  the  University  itself,  and  to  secure  for  it  that 
high  degree  of  popularity  which  drew  a  larger  number  of  stu- 
dents to  its  halls  than  to  any  other  college  on  this  continent. 

All  who  had  opportunities  for  judging,  speak  in  highest 
terms  of  the  management  and  disclipine  of  the  school.  He 
established  in  all  things  inexorable  system  and  regularity,  hnd 
while  decided  prompt  and  linn,  he  was  yet  so  just,  impartial 
and  kind  in  all,  th  it  he  won  the  pupils  to  confidence  an  1  af- 
fection for  him.  He  made  them  feel  that  he  was  their  friend, 
and  they  sought,  his  counsel  as  though  he  were  an  elder  brojh- 
er,  and  few  left  his  root  who  did  not  remain  in  after  life  his 
enthusiastic  admirers  and  firm  friends.  "The  young  men  un- 
der his  care,"  says  Dr.  Taylor,  "  regarded  him  with  respect. 
and  admiration  as  a  scholar  and  many  of  them  loved  him  as  a 
btoth'T.  Having  met  with  many  of  tbi-m  while  under  his  tu- 
ition and  afterwards,  I  do  noirem-mber,  in  a  single  instance,  to 
have  heard  him  spoken  of  in  disparaging  terms,  while  'many 
bore  willing  testimony  to  his  integrity  and  worth  as  a  man 
and  to  his  aluliy  as  a  teacher.  Nor  was  this  all.  They 
respected  him  as  an  earnest  Christian.  He  was  never  ashamed 
of  his  religion." 

He  never  entered  upon  the1  duties  of  the  day  wil hout earnest 
prayer  to  God.  Daily  he  g -'tin-red  his  pupils  about  the  family 
altar,  read  with  them  the  word  of  dod  and  offered  for  them 
fervent  supplications  to  the  Father  of  ail.  On  Sabbath  morn: 
ing  thev  regularly  met  as  a  Bible  class,  of  which  he  was  the 
interested  and  instructive  teacher.  Wheu  kept  from  the  Sanc- 
tuary, he  conducted  public  worship  with  them,  frequently  read- 
ing to  them  a  well  selected  sermon. 

Under  such  pious  influence,  it  seems  perfectly  natural  that 
Dr.  Taylor  should  say  of  his  pupi's,  "I  never  knew  a  more  re- 
spectful class  of  hearers.  Their  regard  for  hini/as  ^  ell  as 
their  own  sense  of  propriety  thus  educated,  induced  a  general 
•  demeanor  in  the  house  of  God,  so  marked  in  its  decorum,  as 
to  secure  the  observation  of  all."  He  employed  too,  by 
his  liberal  expendi  urcs,   the  neighboring  Pastors,  of  different 


denominations,  to  preach  to  the  studenf>,  and  by  all  means 
within  his  reach,  strove  to  promote  their  spiritual  culture," 

One,  who  belter  than  any  other,  became  familiar  wt'h  hia 
inner  life,  the  loving  wife,  to  whom  he.  was  married  while  at 
the  Academy,  says:  "  During  the  l?vst  four  years  of  his  stay 
at  Hanover  Academy,  he  became  dnaly  move  assiduous  in  his 
labors,  indeed  a  slave  to  the  high  principles  of  duty  Jcnat  act- 
uated him  at  all  times"  While  he  often  deplore  [he  neces- 
sity whjch  required  so  much  of  his  time"  ,n  the  tread  mill 
exercises  of  his  daily  routine,"  yet  he  never  spared  himself  a 
step  upon  that  that  tread  mill.  Be  longed  for  leisure  and  op- 
portunity to  cultivate  and  store  his  mind  in  more  enlarged  and 
congenial  studies,  yet  ho  never  postponed  a  present  practical 
duty  to  this  longing.  Most  of  all  did  he  lament  that  his  pres- 
sing occupations  prevented  his  fuller  and  more  direct  consecra* 
tion  to  the  service  of  God.  u  God  knows  "  said  he,  '  I. try  t<y 
do  good  and  sometimes  trust  and  believe  that  there  are  those- 
whose  hearts  and  lives  will  be  improved  by  my  teachings,  and: 
whose  aspirations  will  be  excited  for  high  and  holy  endeavors."* 
Sometimes  in  despairing  mood,  he  would  mourn  that  he  did' 
so  little  in  God's  service,  and  regret  that  he  had  not  become- 
one,  though  even  among  the  humblest  of  the  ministsrs  of 
Christ's  Gospel.  Yet  ordinarily  he  was  cheerful,  buoyant,  ever* 
gay  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  Capable  of  instantly  con- 
centrating alt  his  powers  upon  the  present  mental  labor,  witlb 
equal  facility  he  could  throw  of  the  burden,  and  seem  in  his 
hours  of  relaxation -as  free  of  care  and  anxiety  as  a  child.  In 
iiis  chamber,  playing  with  his  children,  walking  about  the 
premises,  superintending  the  farming  operations,  riding  alone 
along  the  road,  :t  became  a  habit  in  low- undertone  to  warble 
or  to  whistle,  not  "  for  lack  of  thought"  but  as  an  aeeompani- 
ment  to  thoughts  and  occasionally  to  break  out  aloud  ki  the 
words  ot  some  favorite  hymn,  sueh  as  "Jesus  I  love  Thy  chap- 
min^saiae,"  or  "Rock  a#  ages,  cleft  for  nr©-v*  There  was 
nothing  of  aseeticisrn  or  Pharasaic  austerity  in  his  piety. 
Cheerfulness  without  levity,  even  sportiveness  without  rude- 
ness or  scandal,  marked  his  whole  iuiercoiir-e  with  me. 

One  most  intimate  with  him  remarks  :  "  I  never  knew  any 
©n3  who  so  delighted  in  the  services  of  the  Sanctuary.  Hia: 
whole  niind  and,  soul.  wei;e  occupied  in  the  services,  his  voice 


«,lway3~raised  in  the  anthem*  of  praue,  his  face  radUnt  with 
heavenly  joy,  almost  as  beaut  ful  as  it  now  doubtless  appears 
among  those  "who  have  washed  their  robes  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb.1' 

He  never  indulged  nor  counten.ificcd  the  carping  criticism 
that  censoriously  or  wittily  reviews  the  sermons  of  the  hum- 
blest and  least  cul  ivated  of  the  niiir's  er;of  the  Word,  but  was 
=accuHtomed  to  say  that  the  Chri>tino  might  find  food  for  the 
soul  in  evangelical  discourses  that  had  little  intellectual-merit, 
And  that  it  grieved  him  to  listen  to  cynical  comments  on  th© 
discourses  of  godly,  though  humble  men,  whose  whole  souls 
and  lives  were  devoted  to  the  service  of  God  and  their  follow- 
tnen. 

Professer  Coleman  vv  as -eminently  a  benevolent  man.  accus- 
tomed to  "do  good  by  sr-ealtli,"  urrostentatiomdy  to  distribute 
his  ch unties,  and  though  known  as  a  liberal  contributor  to  all 
practical  benevolences,  yet  often  'dispensing  blessings  without 
letttng  his  right  hand  know  what  his  left  hand  did. 

He  shrunk  from  any  ostentation  of  benevolence,  and  some- 
times *aid  in  domestic  confidence,  that  he  gave  less  In  public 
subscriptions  than  his  heart  dictated  lest  it  should  be  thought 
that  he  gave  tor  the  sake  ot  having  it  known,  or  from  impul- 
sive emulation  of  others  of  larger  means.  -Strictly,  sensitively 
conscientious,  he  sought  ever  to  know,  what  dutV  to  God  and 
man  required  of  him,  and  he  was  so  jealous  of*  his  reputation 
-lis  a  (Ran  m  nicest  sense  of  honor,  and  as  an  upright  Christian, 
that  he  dreaded  lest  a  suspicion  should  rest  upon  any  mind 
that  he  was  capable  of  neglecting  the  slighe*t  obligation. 

In  1859,  Mr  Co  eman  was  elected  Profetjger  of  the  Lathi 
largu  ige  and  literature,  in  the  University  of  Virginia  as  suc- 
cessor to  the  erudite  and  lamented  Dr.  Gesuer  Harrison. 
Thus  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-tour  years,  he  had  reached  the 
highest  position  attainable  in  his  prciesiion.  For  this  post  he 
proved  himself  to  be  admirable  6tted.  u,Kere''  pays  one  capa- 
ble ot  forming  a  judiciois  opinion,  "tie  liad  gjiined  the  prop- 
er field,  here  his  desire  for  usefulness  h?id  scope  in  which  to 
display  itself,  and  here,  while  following  his  honorable  and  use- 
ful career,  he  might  have  garnered  for  pos'erity  the  g)lden|frut 
of  his  ripe  scholarship  and  experience.  His  shore  tenure  e£ 
ChB  position  gavo  full  promise  o~f  £«1." 


Lg 

Wh«n  this  opening  presented  itself,  Lis  mind  was  greatfy 
exercise  1  as  to  the  propriety  of  the  change.  He  thought  over 
it  lony  .-  ud  earnestly,  and  in  fervent  prayer  sought  for  counsel 
and  diction  from  his  Heavenly  Father.  When  he  had  deci- 
ded the  question,  he  remarked-:  "the  world  may  think  I  am 
prompt  (1  hy  ambition,  yet  I  feel  assured  I  have  higher  motive.*. 
1  desire  not  only  the  improvement  of  the  talents  God  has  giv- 
en me,  small  as  t1  ey  are,  but  I  long  for  more  time  to  devote 
to  my  spiritual  improvement. ,:  He  said  that  his  mind  seemed 
petrifying  undm-  the  p'-rpetual  monotonous  round,  and  for  the 
sake  of  more  leisure  and  better  opportunities  for  intellectual 
and  spiritual  culture,  he  was  willing  to  sacrifice  considerable 
pecuniary  advantages  in  assuming  the  new  position- 

_  During  his  first  year  at  the  University  the  labor  required  of. 
him  by  the  new  and  unaccustomed  duties,  were  so  oppressive- 
ly burdensome,  that  his  health  became  in, a  few  months  seri- 
ously impaired,  ,«,Md  towards  the,  close  of  the  session  under 
their  augmented  pres.-ure,  his  friends  trembled  lest  mind  and 
body  should  give  way  under  the  perpetual  strain.  Yet  no  en- 
treaties could  induce  him  to  relax  his  exertions,  or  to  spare 
him*e;f  the  slightest  details  of  his  duties..  He  won  the  confi- 
dence and  admiration  of  students  and  associate  professors, 
and  p<  >ved  himself,  bv  his  thorough  scholarship,  his  entire  fa- 
milial iy  with  the  subjects  he  tau«ht,  his  felicitous  methods  of 
im  parting  instruct  ion  his  promptness,  industry  and  zeal,  to 
be  "  the  right  man  in  the  tight  place."' 

During  the  second  session,  h'e  was  relieved  of  "much  of  the 
drudgery  of  th a  work  by  the  appointment  of  an  assistant,  and 
he  was  able  to  devote  some  leisure  hours  to  the  prosecution  of 
higher  studies  than  those  directly  associated  with  his  Profes- 
sorship. This  he  had  often  longed  for,  and  had  been  hitherto 
too  busy  to  attempt.  He  now  prosecuted  the  study  of  the 
German  language  and  entered  upon  a  course  of  reading  in  gen- 
eral literature. 

But  most  of  all  he  delighted  in  hi*  inct  eased  religious  priv- 
ileges. He  was  as  regular  as  the  minister  in  his  visits  to  the 
house  of  God,  punctual  in  his  attendance  upon  the  chapel  ser- 
vices, invariably  at  the  prayer  mee  ings  of  the  students  where 
his  voioe  was  always  heard  mingling  in  the  songs  of  -2ion,  and 
often  in  leading  the  devotions- of  the  pious  in   fervent  prayer, 


with  A  sweetness  and  fervency  that  left  salutory  and  favorable 
impressions  on  the  hearts,  of  many. 

The  Sabbath  school  of  colored  children  and  adults  wns  with- 
out a  Supeiintendent.  He  was  solicited  to  fate  the  office. 
Reluctantly  and  from  a  mere  sense  of  duty  he  consented,  fearing 
that  it  might  prove  irksome  and  interfere  *ith  mo»e  conge- 
nial services.  Hut  soon  Ids  hear]  became  interested  in  the 
work  and  his  higher  and  most.  pleasing  duties  were  not  more 
faithfully  performed.  "Often"  says  his  devoted  wife,  ''have  I 
seen  him  leave  a  circle  of  students  all  fas  united  by  his  con- 
versation, nnd  with  his  little  daughter  by  the  hand,  ha-ten  to 
this  work  of  the  S  ibbath  e>  t  ning  ;  a  work  that  in  a"  little  while 
he  really  enjoyed,  hoping  as  he  -s;id  tint  he  was  d-dng  good." 
And  that  sweet  little  one,  after  joyously  joining  in  with  the 
negro  children  in  their  simple  and  spiritual  songs,  unconscious 
of  what  sort  o:  service  honored  her  iaiher  tnos',,  as  it  announ-- 
ciig  his  highest  ri'gniry  >vonld  gleefully  n  port  to  all  comers, 
4,My  Pa  is  Supeiintendent  of-  the  blne|»  Sunday  School." 

His  "Sabbath  days  were  riot  spent  in  indolerTt  loitering. 
The  early  hours  were  passed  in  .private  de  otion  and  in  religi- 
ous exercises  with  the  gathered  family.  A  season  was  devoted 
to  the  careful  study,  not  cursory  perusal,  of  the  word  of  God. 
He  Slid,  "  It  ruins  the  Epistles  to  read  them  in  a  broken  man- 
ner, by  single  or  scattered  chapters.''  Dr.  M.  Gutty's  "lectures 
on  the  Psalms  ;  the  Professors' Bible  class  organised  at  hi3 
instance;  and  conducted  by  the  chaplain;  the  public  services 
of  the  sanctuary  lie  colored  Sabbath  'school;  then  public 
S  rvice  aarain  at  night;  filled  up  the  hours  of  the  Holy  day. 
And  in  the  intervals ;  he  cordially  received  such  students  as 
chose  to  come,  at  his  house  quieting  his  wife's  scruples  con- 
cerning receiving  company  upon  the  Lord's  diy,  by  saying 
th  it  he  had  but  liMh  opportunity  for  etertuig  teHgioua"  influ- 
ence over,  the  yOung  men,  and  as  Smiday  was  their  only  leisure 
ctay.  he  was  glad  to  welcome  some  of  them  under  Lis  roof. 
His  brilliant  conversational  talent,  h's  winning  social  spiri^his 
uniform  gentleness  and  kindness  of  manner,  attracted  even 
strangers  within  his^sphere,  aiul  then  fastened  them  as  personal 
rierids. 

John  R.  Thompson,  Esq.,  has  kindly  furnished  the  follow- 
ing sketch  of  Prof.  Coleman,  which  may  here  be  appropriately 
introduced. 


"  It  was  my  happy  fortune  to  k'jow  Lewis  Miner  CMeuian 
Well,  during  a  period  of  several  years,  which  commenced  with 
his  University  life  and  ended  only  with  his  martyrdom  in  the 
cause  of  his  country,  and  this  intimacy  but  tended  to  strengthen 
the  affection  I  felt  for  him  at  college,  and  to  enhance  the  ad- 
miration which  was  there  excited  by  his  intellectual  endow- 
ments. Pew,  very  few  men,  redeem  in  later  y<  ars the  promise 
they  may  have  given  in  the  curriculum  of  the  University.  — 
But  it  was  ti  characteristic  of  Coleman  that  he  made  every 
acquisition  the  sapping  stone  to  something  yet  higher  and 
nobler  beyond,  and  his  under  graduate  honors  had  no  value 
in  his  eyes  other  than  as  associated  with  those  instructions 
which  enabled  him  to  reach  forward  to  a  still  more  thorough 
and  •exhaustive  knowledge. 

His  gifts  zero  rich  and  varied.  He  had  a  keen  perception 
of  the  ludicrous  and  a  "lively  enjoyment  of  mirthful  sallies,  and 
his  conversation  was  at  times  lighted  up  by  flashes  of  wit,  but. 
the  laughter  he  excited  was  always  chaste,  and  he  never  sacri- 
ficed tire  feelings  of  oiners  to  a  bon  moh  There  was  too  much 
■charity  and  kilMness  in  his  disposition  for  this,  and  his  ambi- 
tion soared  far  above  the  reputation  of  a  brilliant  conversa- 
tionalist. So  much  heart  had  he,  indeed,  that  humour  predom- 
inated largely  over  wit, — a  quiet,  gentle  humour  like  that 
of  Charles  Lamb,  that  broke  out  in  sunny  gleams  over  the 
barreuesi  topics*  He  had  a'so  a  delicate  Sftiv-w  of  the  beauti- 
ful in  art,  in  literature  and  in  the  natural  world.  lie  was  an  in- 
dustrious reader  and  his  mind  drew  to  itself  all  that  was  trud 
■and  elevated  and  wholesome  in  whatever  he  read,  rejecting  the 
false  and  the  noxious,  aa  the  bee  draws  honey  even  from 
poiso©0'U8  flowers,  and  a  memory  singularly  retentive  coming 
just  here  to  his  aid,  he  'kept  in  his  mental  ware  house,  as- 
weapons  are  kept  in  an  armory,  all  the  treasures  of  poetry  and 
philosophy  ready  for  instant  use.  All  wild  and  romantic 
scenery  he  greatly  enjoyed.  I  recollect  to  have  met  him  once 
just  after  his  return  from  a  trip  up  the  Saguenay  iu  Canada 
East,  and  his  descriptions  of  what  he  had  seen  were  full  of  an 
unstudied  ^race  and  eloquence  sucfc  as  is  rarely  found  in  books 
of  travel. 

In  the  line  of  usefulness  he  had  marked  out  for  himself,  he 
«$ii£hed  f&9  highust  pbssifelfc  ormisenoe*  and  deserves  as  a  teach- 


*9 

&  Jo  be  ranked  with  Dr.  Arnora,  of  ftughy,  whom,  k  was  9a*d> 
be  had  made  his  model.  I  have  been  with  him  at  Hanover 
Academy,  both  in  his  hours  of  »eachiug  and  his  hours  of  play, 
and  seen  him  among  his  pupils,  beloved,  never  feared,  always 
respected,  the  master  of  their  confidence  and  their  affections. 
Hi  sympathies  were  with  thorn  in  the  play  ground  and  m  the 
recitation-ro*m.  His  temper  was  the  sweetest,  and  his  dhcipline 
att  once  the  most  kindly  and  unbending  of  any  Dominie  that 
ever  sat  in  magisterial  authority  over  a  school-room.  Tho 
fruits  of  his  system  of  instruction  had  already  manifested  them- 
selves before  his  <'eath  in  a  higher  standard  of  academical 
training  throughout  Virginia. 

As  the  private  gentlemen,  as  the  warmly. attached  friend, 
the  delightful  companion,  the  sincere,  humble  Christian,  the 
patriot,  carrying  his  life  in  his  hand  when  his  country  called 
for  it,  I  need  nn  Vpe  k  of  him.  1  cannot  think  of  his  early 
death,  a  sacrifice  to  this  war,  without,  recalling  the  remarkable 
words  of  Lord  Clarendon  in  concluding  his  lofty  eulogy  on 
Lucius  Carey,  Lord  Falkland,  wherein  the  histoiian  speaks  of 
that  lamented  nobleman  as  *  having  so  much  despatched  the 
business  of  life,  that  the  oldest  rarely  attained  to  that  iminenw 
knowledge,  and  the  youngest  enter  not  into  the  world  with 
more  innoceney,'  and  we  may  add,  slightly  varying  the  lan- 
guage of  the  sentence,  that  '  wh"8o  leads  such  a  life  med 
not  care  in  what  manner  or  at  what  age  it  be  taken  from  him.'  " 

The  portentous  clouds  threatening  the  rushing  tempest  of" 
war,  threw  their  gloomy  shadows  over  these  ferene  and  happy 
scenes.  Prof.  Coleman  promptly  settled  for  himself  the  course 
to  be  pursued  in  tlie.  issues  that  were  forced  upon  us.  "  He 
believed  in  the  sovereignty  of  his  native  Slate ; he  "believed1 
that  tlie  rights  and  privileges  guaranteed  to  us  in  the  Consti- 
tution had  been  disregarded  by  our  Northern  foes;  and  he 
earnestly  believed  thai,  nothing  remained  for  the  South  but 
the  exercise  of  the  right  of  secession  or  revolution.  Virginia 
was  invaded — his  allegiance  was  due  to  Virginia  and  was  only 
subordinate  to  his  allegiance  to  his  God-  God  and  the  St  to- 
alike  demanded  that  Virginia's  sons  should  defend  her  bor- 
ders." He  deemed  it  his  duty  to  remain  at  his  post  in  the 
^Juiversity  until  the  close  of  the  session.  Even  under 
the  h»puhi8S  of  his  fervent  patriotism,  he  would  not  abaaflOB 


duties  to  which  he  considered  himself  pledged.     "With  the  close 
of  the  tenn  h«  tendered   h»s  resignation  to  the  Board  of  Visi- 
ters.    The rBotrd  refused    to  accept  it,  keeping   the  place  va 
cant  for  his  return  at  the  termination  of  the  war. 

WTjen  the  early  expedition  to  Harper's  Ferry  was  determin- 
ed on.  many  of  the  students  at  the  University  volunteeded  tor 
that  enterprise.  A  younger  brother  asked  Prof.  Coleman's 
advice  concerning  his  joining  the  company.  'It  is  yonr  duty, 
Malcolm,"  said  he.  "  t'>  decide  for  yourself."  Shortly  after  his 
decision  was  male,  he  said  to  his  wife:  "  Malcolm  his  deter- 
mined to  go,  and  I  am  much  pleased.  I  wanted  him  to  go 
but  felt  that  1  ought  not  to  influence  him." 

He  remained  v. ith  the  gathering  students  at  the  depqt  till  a 
late  hour,  encouraging  and  cheering  them  until  'he  cars  b'oro 
them  away.  Then  throwing  himself  upon  his  sleepless  bed 
he  exclaimed  :  '•  I  am  so  sorry  I  did  not.  m  ike  a  speech  to 
those  noble  boys.  The  poor  fellows  called  me  out  too.  Some 
of  them  I  may  never  see  again,  andjipon  the  verge  of  so  impor: 
taut  a  step  I  failed  to  ur^e  u-pon  them  the  performance  of 
their  whole  duty. in  this  matter,  and  especially  to  remind  them 
of  their  accountability  to  God,  How  I  regret  that  I  did  not 
speak  to  them."'' 

Mr.  Coleman  loved  his  profession.  He  was  admirably  fitted 
for  it.  He  had  reached  the  most  prominent  position  to  which 
intellectual  ambition  can  aspire  in  this  country,  for  there  is 
no  literary  height  to  which  any  man  can  climb  from  a  Profes- 
sorship in  the  University  of  Virginia.  lie  is  thee  upon  the 
surmit  of  his  profe  sion  —  there  are  no  peaks  above. 

On  the  other  hand  he  had  no  predilection,  no  training,  no 
taste  for  a  soldier's  life,  no  asperations  for  military  renown. 
Personally  such  a  life  was  intensely  distasteful.  He  anticipa- 
ted the  servjee  with  auri  iking  repugnance.  It  severed  him 
from  his  dear  family.  It  broke  up  his  loved  habits  of  study. 
It  took  him  from  his  books  which- were  his  d<light.  It*  dis- 
pelled the  serenity  and  calm  in  which  he  found  his  highest 
•  enjoyment.  ' 

Nor  was  there  any  compulsion  to  drive  him  to  the  army. 
He  wan  beyond  the  reach  of  all  conscription  laws.  He  w.13 
specially  exempted.  Mis  friends  urged  upon  him  the  impor- 
tance of  his  position  in  the  University.     Some  of  the  Faculty 


21 

protested  against  his  resignation.  Many  argued  with  him, 
that  he  could  do  more  good  to  #the  country  by  remaining  to 
aid  in  the  education  of 'the  neglected  youth.  Every  dissuasive 
that  affection  and  prudence  could  suggest  were  employed  to 
turn  him  from  his  purpose. 

But  in  this  as  in  every  thing  else  he  was  earnestly  conscien- 
tious. He-fvtt  sad  beeuuse  of  the  necessity,  yet,  impelled  by 
a  fervent  patriotism,  he  would  not  shrink  from  the  duty  which 
he  felt   he  owed  to  his  country. 

A  cherished  friend  has  well  said  :  "  In  the  hour  6f  his  coun- 
try's trial,  when  the  call  w;is  made  for  her  children,  he  relin- 
quished his' cherished  pnrsuits.  his  high  and  well-merited  po- 
sition, fortune,  comfort,  home,  all— and  at  last,  even  life  itself — 
and  freely  chose  to  ^tnnd  where  his  unfailing  perception  of  the 
right  pointed  him,  by  his  country's  standard  in  the  battle  for 
freedom.  Few,  even  in  these  days  of  sacrifice,  have  placed  a 
richer  gift  on  the  altar  of  liberty." 

Immediately  after  the  first  battle  of  Manassas,  he  returned 
to  his  native  county,  enli-ted'in  the  service  and  received  au- 
thority to  raise  an  artillery  company.  Some  discouraged  the 
attempt  by  representing  th»t  mo$t,  who  could  be  induced  to 
volunteer,  had  already  entered  the  army — that  attempts  of  a 
eim'lar  kind  had  been  made  and  failed.  But  be  listened  to  no 
discouragements,  and  entered  upon  the  work  with  character- 
istic energy.  He  appointed  meetings  and  made  speeches  which 
roused  the  patriotic  ardor  of  the  people  like  a  trumpet  bla>t. 
Hi*  graphic  pictures  6f  the  perils  of  the  country  and  of  thft 
methods  by  which  it  might,  be  d.-iivered  from  oppression,  and 
rendered  free  and  prosperous,  often  drew  tears  from  eyes  un- 
accustomed to  wei-p. 

In  beating  up  recruits  he  visited  the  house  of  a  poor, 
aged  woman,  who  resided  on  his  .farm,  enquiring  after  her 
son.  The  s  >n  was  already  in  the  service.  In  speaking 
of  his  visit,  the  old  lady  said — l  Captain  Coleman  look- 
ed about  and  found  my  Bible;  he  read  to  me,  and  then  we 
knelt,  down,  nobody  but  him  and  me,  ani  smb.  a  beautiful 
prayer  as  be  offered  I  never  heard  in  all  my  life,  Jur.t  to 
tlUnk  !  he  should  take  so  much  interest  in  a  poor  old  woman  like 
me!     He  certainly  must  be  the  best  man. in  the  world  1  " 

Such  incidents  illustrate  the  predominating  spiritual  minded- 
»eas  of  '.he  man. 


By  such"  mfl«en<oes  and  etff&'giee'  a  very  large  eompnn,y 
was  speedily  recruited  which  was  mustered  into  service  under 
Mr.  Coleman  as  Captain,  in  August.  1861. 

He  now  devoted  himself  with  characteristic  energy  and  per- 
severance to  the  acquisition  of  tVfe  military  knowki%@  ne.es- 
sary  for  his  position.  He  soon  learned  all  that  the  booka  could 
teach  him.  I  visited  him  in  camp  on  one  occa*aon,  by  his  in- 
vitation to  preach  for  his  company,  and  found  -him  drawn  up 
in  line  with  a  few  of  his  brother  officers  receiving  instructions 
in  piactical  sword  exercises.  He  omitting  nothing  that  prom- 
iaed  to  promote  his  intelligence  and  efficiency  as  a  officer. 
The  friend  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  so  much  that  is  inter-, 
esting  in. this  sketch  says:'  "  By  study  and  continued  prac- 
tice he  made  himself  one  of  the  best  artillery  officers  in  the 
service,  and  his  company  also  became  one  of  the  most  thorough- 
ly drilled  and  efficient  in  the  army.  Here  again  his  power  in 
controlling  men  was  strikingly  exhibited.  Strict  in  discipline 
and  in  every  requirement  of  duty,  he  was  just  and  impartial,  . 
sedulous  to  supply  all  the  wants  of  his  men,  furnishing  them 
when  necessary  with  shoes  and  clothing  from  his  own  purse, 
nursing  them  personally  when  sick — kind  and  affable  at  all  ' 
times.  He  set  the  example  of  duty  himself  and  required  all 
to  come  up  to  the  standard."  He  soon  gained  the  confidence 
and  affection  of  his  men.  He  made  them  feel  that  he  relied 
upon  them,  and  that  they  might  depend  upon  him. 

Capt.  Dance,  of  Powhatan,  was  preparing  a  company- at  the 
same  time  and  place  for  the  field,  and  w£s  consequently  thrown 
into  close  intercourse  with  Caps.  Coleman.  He  says,  "  I  was 
struck  upon  my  first  acquaintance  with  him  with  his  genial 
temperament  and  fine  social  qualities,  rendering  him  at  all 
times  a  most  agreeable  companion,  but  I  soon  learned  to  ad- 
mire still  more  his  untiring  energy,  perseverance  and  industry, 
as  exhibited  in  his  endeavors  to  equip  and  drill  his  company, 
and  perfect  himself  and  them  in  the  necessary  knowledge'  of 
tactics  and  military  science.  The  first  attempts  at  drilling  hia 
company  excited  a  smile  among  'thone  who  had  longer  expe- 
rience, but  in. a  very  short  time  his  company  was  well  drilled. 
His  was  a  spirit  never  satisfied  with  mediocrity.  Whatever  he 
undertook  he  desired  to  do  well  and  he  alwavs  succeeded. 
Atihougfi  His  earn  pan  j  was  mastered  in  alter ■  aanie,>:  continues- 


28 

©apt.  Dance,  u  yet  be  succeeded  in  pelting  all  ready  and  start- 
ing for  the  field"  before  me." 
^  In  this  relation,  too.  he  manifested  an  earnest,  p'actical  Chris- 
tian spirit.  He  provided  so  tar  as  possible,  for  the  religious 
instructions  and  culture  of  his  men.  Upon  every  suitable  op 
•portunity  he  solicited  u  iuisters  of  the  Gospel  to  preach  tor 
them.  He  conversed  with  thena  personally  concerning  their 
need  of  piety  toward^.  God  and  trust  in  Him  as  a  preparation 
for  the  trials  of  life  and   for  de  th. 

Regularly,  when  the  bugie  sounded  the  reveille,  in  early  dawn- 
ing, and  the  tattoo  in  the  evening,  he  was  among  the  first  to 
come  from  his  tent,  and  taking  his  position  in  front  of  the  line 
with  uncoveied  head  and  raised  hands,  like  a  father  at.  his 
family  altar,  he  solemnly  and  in  clear  tones,  that  reached  the 
extremities  ot  the  line  implored  the  favor  and  blessing- of 
Almighty  God  upon  his  men.  Thi-,  it  is  true,  was  not  required 
by  the  Regulations.  It  was  seen  and  felt  to  be  the  sincere  and 
voluntary  devotion  of  a  pious  he^rt. 

In  speaking  of  these  religious  exercises  held  at  the  head  of 
his  company,  Capt.  Kirkpatrick  characterizes  them  as  "those 
direct,  earnest,  deeply  fervent  prayers  for  which  he  was  re- 
markable," and  then  says  :  <s  Indeed  he  had  to  a  degree  that 
few  have,  the  real  gift  of  prayer.  I  shall  never  forget  the 
prayer  he  offered  on  the  sad  and  memor.ible  Sibbath  morning 
when  we  commenced  our  retreat  from  Centreville.  His  heart 
was  very  tender  sfnd  very  full,  and  it  seemed  to  unburden  itself 
into  the  sympathizing  ear  of  that  Saviour,  who  is  God  over  all, 
foleased  forever,  and  who  yearns  over  all  His  troubled  children 
with  such  unspeakable  tenderness." 

"  I  have  listened  on  some  of  these  occasions,"  says  anoth  er 
brother  officer,  •'*  when  his  prayers,  giving  evidence  of  a  high!  y 
Cultivated  intellect,  yet  marked  by  deep  humility  and  fervent  sin- 
cerity, left  the  impression  that  he  would  have  been  a  most  efficient 
minister  of  the  Gospel  had  he  been  called  to  that   holy  office." 

■Another  says:  "Though  I  always  had  a  high  opinion  of  hia 

fower  and  felicity  of  expression,  yet  in  these  extempore  prayers, 
was  frequently  strack  wiih    *ho  force  and   eloquence,  and  al- 
ways with  the  earnestness  and  ferver  of  his  petitions." 

Oh  !  if  such  concern  were  generally  exhibited  by  officers 
nominally  pious,  for  tne  higher,  the   spiritual  welfare  of  their 


24  %«,•> 

men,  how  much  more  easily  would  ihey  be  controlled,  how  ef 
fectively  restrained  from,  wrong  and  encouraged  in  right.  Do 
feueh  exhibit io*ns  of  Bolioitoua  piety  weaken  dieipline?  Rather 
do  they  strengthen  it,  by  superadding  a  sense  of.  obligation  to 
the  army  regulations.  Do  they  diminish  courage?  He  is  the 
bravest  fighter,  other  things  being  equal,  who  has  the  firmest 
trust  in  God.  Even  Infidelity  can  see  that  such  a  spirit  must 
make  heroes  of  an  arm}''. 

Under  such  influences  and  energies,  it  is  not  wonderful  that 
his  company  became  one  of  the  best  disciplined  and  most 
efficient  in  the  service.  At  a  trial  of  skill  between  several 
rival  companies,  soon  after  reaching  Manassas,  his  command 
was  pronounced,  by  competent  judges,  to  be  the  second  if  not 
the  best  in  the  Corps. 

Especially  was  this  company  distinguished  at  the  bloody 
battle  of  Sharpsburg,- where  in  the  beat  of  the  conflict,  and 
amid  severe  suffering,  it  gallantly  maintained  its  position,  and 
nobly  aided  in  the  defeat  of  the  enemy. 

The  day  before  his.  company  was  ordered  to  the  field  his 
aged  Grandmother,  visi/ed  him  at  Richmond.  They  were 
together  at  the  residence. of  a  mutual  friend.  Capt.  Coleman 
went  into  her  room  just  before  she  retired  and  kneeling  at  the 
dear  old  lady's  feet,  said  :  "  Grandma  I  shall  leave  in  the 
morning  before  you  are  up,  and  I  may  never  see  you  again  jn 
this  world,  for  thisis-a  serious,  earnest  work  which  I  have 
undertaken  and  I  want  you  to  bless  your  child  -before  he  parts 
from  you.''  And  placing  the  hand  of'  this  aged  saint  upon  his 
head,  he  received  from  her,  who  for  more -than  fifty  years  has 
been  a  bright  and  shining  light  in  the  Church  of  God,  the 
patriarchal  blessing.''  In  imitating  this  beautiful  ancient  and 
oriental  custom  is  evinced,  Mr.  Coleman's  familiarity  and  re- 
\erence  for  thegold  Bible  When  a  child  of  six  years  old,  for  so 
early  he  could  read  readily,  that  old  Grandmother  would  spread 
the  Family  Bible  upon  a  chair,  and  Lewis  drawing  his  little 
stool  before  it  wonld  sit  and  pore  over  its  narratives  for  hours 
together.  It  was  not  unnatural  then,  thatUhe  association,  oi 
childhood,  strengthened  in  youth  and  manhood;  that  his 
whole  spirit  imbued  vjththe  fitness  and  beauty  of  the  old. 
customs,  should  have  led  him  to  f(*l  4<  that  his  heart  would 
be   lightened   and    (Micuur'ged    ifc  the   discharge   of  a  sacred 


25 

though  dangerous   duty  by  receiving  from  the    eldest   of  the 
family,"  the  formal  patriarchal  blessing. 

His  company  was  ordered  to  Manassas  and  formed  a  part  of 
Gen  Pendleton's  Reserve  Corps  of  Artillery.  Time  will  not 
permit  us  to  do  more  than  follow  the  track  of  the  company  in 
the  retreat  from  Manas-**,  the  march  to  Yorktown  and  the 
withdrawal  from  the  Peninsula,  the  battles  around  Richmond 
and  the  marches^o  the  Rappahannock  and  to  Maryland  in  all 
which  it  honorably  participated. 

At  the  reorganization  of  the  army  in.  f862,  Gapt.  Coleman 
was  appointed  Major  i»f  Artillery  and  soon  after  was  elected 
Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  First  Regiment  of  Virginia  artil- 
lery. 

Col.  Coleman  was  always  to  be  found  in  his  place,  never 
absenting  Iw-msell  from  the  post  ot  du'y  except  frpui  necessity, 
and  once,  for  swveral  weeks,  'rom  sickness. 

During  the  battles  aronnd  Richmond  he  was  by  a  mistake 
of  position  for  a  short  time  m  hands  of  the  enemy.-  But  he 
managed  by  his  coolness  and  presence  of  mind  to  extricate 
himself.  Speaking  of  the  the  terrible  storm  of  battle  he  said, 
that,  while  beyond  conception  it  was  awful,  yet  a  relying  trust 
ie-God  gave  him  perf  ct  confidence  and  peace.  One  of  his 
fellow  officers  remarked  that  the  earnest i  ess  and  sincerity  of 
his  ejnculatory  prayers  upon  the  ba'tle  field,  convinced  him 
"  that  the  soul  of  Col.  Coleman  was  always  fixed  upon  the  one 
sure  hope  and  source  of  strength." 
"  We  were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,"  says  Capt  Kirkpatrick, 
u  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Chickahomy,  with  the  advancing 
enemy  in  front,  on  a  Sabbath  morning  in  April  or  May  1862. 
Capt.  Coleman  approached  where  1  was  lying,  took  from  my 
hands  the  Bible  I  ha  1  been  reading  and  turning  *othe  84th  Psalm- 
he  read  it  and  commented  upon  its  beautiful  ver.-es.  I  can 
now  reeall  the  earnest  longing  tones,  in  which  he  repeated, 
'  How  amible  are  Thy  tabernacles,  Oh  !  Lord  of  Hosts  '  My  soul 
longeth  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the  Lord,  my  heart 
and  my  flesh  crieth  out  for  the  living  God  1  He  drew  a  par- 
alel  between  David'sTondition  when  he  composed  that  Psalm, 
and  ours  as  we  had  been  driven  by  our  enemies,  and  spoke  of 
the  wonderful  adaptednes  of  God's  Word,  when  even  such  cir- 
cumstances, as  those  around  us,  only  the  more  forcibly  impress 


26 

sed  ks  truths  and  beauties  upon  the  soul.  He  then  went  on 
to  speak  in  gl.owing  words,  of  the  sweet  privileges  of  God's  House, 
the  solemn  assembles  of  His  saints,  their  blissful  communion  with 
Him  in  all  the  ordinances  of  His  worship.  The  impression  made  "P0^ 
me  by  that  reading  and  those  running  comments  willnever  be  effaced 
•  from  my  memory,  and  while  my  soul  retains  its  powers,  the  8ith  Psalm 
will  be  associated  in  my  mind,  with  Lewis  Minor  Coleman  and  that 
beautiful  but  anxious  Sabbath  morning." 

He  was  prevented  by  severe  illness  from  accompanying  the  army 
into  Maryland  in  1862.  Even  then  his  active*spirit  chafed  under  the 
necessary  restraint.  He  requested  a  brother  officer  to  send  for  him 
if  there  was  any  prospect  of  a  battle.  In  the  dead  hour  of  night  he  heard 
a  rap  at  the  door.  **  Tis  a  message  for  me"  said  he  "  and  I  must  go." 
Said  his  wife  "  you  cannot  go,  you  have  not  strength  to  walk  across 
the  room."  "No  matter,"  he  replied  "I  will  go,  God  will  give  me 
strength. "    Fortunately  the  message  related  to  some  other  matter. 

A  short  time  before  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  he  resumed  hfs  ooril- 
mand,  Three  days  before  that  fatal  battle  while  riding  with  a  friend  to- 
wards Port  Royal,  his  friend  remarked,  "Intheseven  days  tight  around 
Richmond  I  fought  literally  over  my  fathers  grave,  my  gun  being  but 
a  few  yards,  from  it  If  I  should  fall  in  this  war  I  should  prefer  to  fall 
upon  such  to  me  sacred  ground."  Col.  Coleman  replied,  '' If  I  am 
kilted  in  this  war  I  should  prefer  to  fall  here,  for  hard  by  my  Father 
lies  buried."  Three  days  after  .not  far  distant  he  received  his  mortal 
wound.  « 

I  am  permitted  to  make  a  few  extiacts  from  letters  written  during 
his  services  in  the  army,  which  allow  us  a  glance  into  his  inner  life, 
and  reveal  to  us  a  little  of  his  pure  and  loving. heart. 

In  immediate  expectation  of  a  battle  near  Yorktowa,  April  27th, 
18«2.     He  thus  writes; 

"Dearest  Mother ;—  I  -have  a  little  time  this  Sabbath  afternoon  and 
will  write  a  fetv  lines  to  tell  you  how  strongly,  at  this  last  moment, 
when  no  oue  knows  what  an  hour  may  bring  forth,  the  thought  of  all 
the  love  and  tenderness  and  fostering  care  bestowed  in  my  childhood, 
comes  over  your  loving  son  If  I  have  ever  caused  you  needless 
trouble,  let  me  now  ask  your  forgiveness  All  that.  I  am,  all#the  hap- 
piness I  have  ever,  enjoyed,  is  I  believe  due  to  you,  and  from  you  in' 
freat  measure,  under  Providence,  comes  ray  hope  of  immortal  life, 
thank  God  that  I  am  and  do  love  from  my  heart  of  hearts  nil  who 
are  near  to  me,  Father,  Mother,  Grandma,  (God  bless  her,)  Brothers, 
Sisters,  Wife,  children,  all.        *        *        *        *        *        *        * 

I  pray  and  hope  that  I  may  be  spared  to  see  you  all  in  peace  and 
happiness  again.  No  one  can  tell  what  his  fate  may  be  in  the  bloody 
struggle  which  impends,  and  if  I  fall,  I  want  you  all  to  know  how  dearly 
I  love  you,  and  to  know  farther  that  my  only  hope  and  confidence  is  in. 
God  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord." 

la  writing  of  his  beloved  wife  while  visiting  her  sick  Father,  had 


been  surprized  and  detained  within  the  enemies  liae« ;  and  separated, 
from  ber  children  ;  after  expressing  his  pain  and  regret  he  says  :  "  But 
it  was  right  for  ber  to  go  aud  see  her  dying  Father,  notwithstanding 
the  suffering  it  involves.  Suffering  encountered  in  the  path  of  duty 
can  never  do  harm,"  * 

Upon  the  dearth  of  the  youngest  brother  of  the  family  he  thus 
write*,  just  a  raontb,  before  bis  own  death  summons: 

"  My  Dearest  MoTutu:— It  is  with  heartfelt  anguish  that  I  have 
just  learned  of  dear  Willie's  death.  I  know  your  heart  is  bowed  down 
with  grief  at  the  loss  of  your  youngest  born— *fco  sweet— so  gentle — 


so  lovely  in  all  respeets.  I  always  legarded  him  as  the  lamb  of  the- 
flock  *  *  *  Can  you  not,  my  dvar  Mother,  in  this  darJt  hour,  put 
your  whole  trust  and   confidence  in  Our  Heavenly    Pathelr  who  doeth 


all  things  well.  God  grant  tbat  we  may  all  strive  to  be  little  children, 
as  our  dear  Willie  was." 

After  speaking  of  the  grief  of  two  young  brothers  who  were  with 
him  in  tbe  service  be  adds: 

"  I  trust  tbat  this  great  affliction  which  for  the  present  seemeth  so 
very  grievous  may  biing  to  them  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory.  I  truet  too  that  1  shall  be  stirred  up  to  be  a  better 
guide  both  bv  examp'e  and  precept,  to  my  two  voiing  brothers  so 
strangely  associated  with  me,  after  so  many  years  of  separation." 

But  I  must  hasten  to  the  sad  close  of  this  sketch.  Col.  Coleman 
was  on  duty  with  his  regiment  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  on  the 
13th,  of  December  under  Gen.  Jackson,  and  with  unflinching  courage, 
and  entire  self  possession,  maintained  hi3  position  on  that  bloody  field. 

"He  might,"  says  Capt.  Dance,  "without  any  dereliction  of  duty 
have  kept  out  of  that  battle  altogether,  for  when  his  regiment  was 
brought  up,  other  artillery  bad  already  occupied  the  positiou.  But 
be  was  anxious  to  render  some  service  and  sought  out  ihe  General 
eommaudmg  that  part  of  the  line  and  obtained  leave  to  place  some  of 
his  guns  in  position,  and  two  guns  of  my  buttery  wee  all  he  could 
find  room  foi,  and  it  was  at  one  of  these  tbat  he  received  ihe  wound 
which  finally  provtd  mortal.  His.horse  hed  been  killed  and  though? 
on  foot  and  wounded,  he  still  insisted  ur.on  remaining  <>n  tbe  ground, 
and  even  ottered  his  assistance  in  filling  up  a  ditch,  that  my  guns> 
might  be  carried  over  to  advauce  on  the  enemy." 

Late  in  the  day  be  was  struck  by  a  bull  in  the  leg  just  below  the 
kuee.  He  deemed  the  wound  a  slight  one,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  re- 
fused to  leave  the  field,  until  by  increasing  faintness  be  was  compelled 
to  do  so,  but  not  until  the  victory  had  seen  decided  for  our  arms.. 
When  bis  wound  was  dressed,  he  playfully  remarked  that  it  would  be- 
a  "  good  furlough "  for  awhile.  He  was  bjrue  to  the  house  of  Mr; 
Yerby  in  Spottsylvania  county.  Here  when  found  by  his  uncle,  Rerc. 
James  D.  Coleman,  he  was  surrounded  by  the  wounded' and  dying,  to- 
whom  in  his  benevolent  self-forget  fulness  he  was  sti*Jviu<r  lo  adminis- 
ter such  aid  and  consolation  as  was  in  his  power.  He  spoke  more  of 
his  suffering  comrades  than  of  himself,  and  especially  expressed  his- 
gympathy  and  sorrow  for  a  terribly  mutilated  young  officer^  who  wa& 


28 

lying  by  his  side.  lie  was  removed  to  Edge  Hill,  Caroline  ooanfy, 
the  residence  of  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Samuel  Schooler.  Soon  hi« 
wound  assumed  a  threatening  and  dangerous  character.  Virulent  erv- 
sipilas  supervened  and  he  suffered  intense  agony.  By  profuse  dis- 
charges from  his  wound,  and  by  constant  severe  pain,  his  frame  be- 
came emaciated  and  reduced  to  little  more  than  a  skeleton.  Every 
attention  which  the  skill  ot  physicians,  and  the  affectionate  care  and 
nursing  of  the  assembled  family  could  render,  could  only  retard,  but 
could  not  overcome  the  stevly  approaches  of  coming  death.  His 
friends  were  unwilling  fD  believe,  that  one  to  whom  they  so  minister- 
ed, fur  whose  recovery  they  so  fervently  prayed,  upon  whose  continued 
life  so  many  hopes  and  interests  were  depending,  must  be  taken  from 
them.  But  the  gravest  fears  were  soon  excited,  and  before  long  Coi. 
Coleman  himself  began  to  anticipate  his  speedy  departure  from  earth. 
He  endured  with  marvelous  patience,  and  uncomplaining  cheerfulness 
the  most  excruciating  agonies  of  body.  His  faith  in  the  rectitude 
and  benevolence  of  his  covenant  God,  never  wavered,  ralher  stead  ly 
increased  as  death  approached  nearer  and  still  nearer.  And  now  the 
beautiful  light  of  his  pious  spirit,  like  the  glories  of  a  clear  autumn 
sunset,  illumed  the  chamber  in  which  he  was  gasping  away  his  life, 
and  lighted  up  with  sweet,  resignation  and  hope  the  hearts  of  his  la- 
menting kindred.  In  the  early  stages  of  his  disease  he  hoped  ^-ex- 
gected  to  recover.  He  had  much  for  which  to  live,  aud  f^w  men  could 
etter  enjoy  or  adorn  life,  or  render  it  more  useful,  than  he  He  now 
decided,  what  before  he  had  often  pondered,  that  with  recovered  health 
he  wuuid  devote  his  life  and  talents,  to  the  more  direct  service  of 
God,  in  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry.  At  the  close  of  the  war," 
said  he,  "more  than  ever  will  laborers, be  needed  to  reap  in  the  har- 
vest field  of  the  gospel.  I  may  do  some  good  in  that  sphere  of  labor.' ' 
Buta  higher  ministry,  in  a  brighter  sphere,  had  been  appointed  for 
him.     "  1  hope  I  shall  live,"  said    he   to   a  friend.  "I    think   I  caa  do 

food-  be  of  some  use,  but-God  knows  best  and  His  will  be  done." — 
n  the  solitary  night  when  a  troubled  sleee  could  be  induced  onlyby 
means  of  powerful  op'ates,  his  mind  woufft  gander  fitfully  over  the 
sceues  of  the  past.  Now  he  would  imagine  hansel f  in  presence  of  a 
class  of  pupils  teaching,  and  he  would  recite  rapidly  in  Latin  and 
French,  and  then  he  seemed  at  the  head  of  his  company  in  the  battle, 
and  uttered  the  stern  word  of  command.  Theu  the  names  of  distant 
friends,  as  i'n  cheerful  and  social  converse  passed  his  lips ;  then  the 
dear  names  of  "  wife,"  "  mother,"  "  child.''  in  loving  murm  urs  proved 
whither  his  restless  thoughts  were  turning,  and  always  the  devotional 
ejaculation,  of  praise  to  God,  aud  of  fervent  prayer  fur  grace  and 
strength  would  mingle  with  his  wildest  wanderings. 

In  one  of  these  restless  hours  shortly  Wore  }-,r>  died,  he  roused  him- 
self and  turning  to  his  brother  said  :  "Malcolm,  did  I  die  as  a  Chris- 
tian soldier  ought  to  die?"— then  entfrelj  recovering  consciousness  he 
smiled  and  sa:d,  "I  thought..]  bad  died  t'.i     he  h       <  field." 

For  ninety  eight  weary  d<tys,  he  endured  physical  agonies,  relieved 
by  only  e>csa*iouaJ  respites  faom  yam,  su«b  as  probably  4ew  Biea  have 


29 

ever  been  ea*led  to  bear.  The  incurable  efysipilas,  the  inflaimtion 
involving  the  whole  limb,  and  extending  by  sympathy  to  bis  whole 
frame,  the  frequant  incisions  and  probirigs,  the 'drain  from  inces&afft 
suppuration,  the  ir.acessib'e  ulcers  oritrmafing  in  his  changeiess  posi* 
tion  on  the  couch,  all  combined  to  produce  ex'Cfhtiating'  pain.  Yet 
all  vas  borne  with  a  patience,  resignation,  even  cheerfulness,  that,  has, 
peuhaps,  never  been  surpassed.  When  convinced  that  thrie'wusuo 
rational  hope  of  his  recovery,  he  fixed  the  eye  of  his  faith"  steadily 
upon  the  bright  home  in  heaven,  and  seeming  to  enter  already  into 
Communion  with  ihe  beloved  ones  who  had  pone  before,  looked  beyond 
the  interval  over  'which  he  must  pass,  and  lived  as  though  already  in 
the  light  of  his  Redeemer's  g'ory.  He  was  nioie  than  patient,  he  Was 
exultant,  at  times  enraptured. 

Referring  to  the  fact  that  he  was  in  the  neighborhood  where  much 
.of  his  youth  had  been  spent,  he  said,  '•  Here  were  most  of  the  sins  of 
BIT  early  life  committed,  and  here  do  I  come  to  d;e,  and  to  find  them 
all  foi given  tbiough  the  mercy  and  love  of  Jesus." 

"Why  it  is  but  a  short  trip"  said  he  to  his  weipirg  friends  "it  is 
only  taking  a  little  journey  and  then  safe  arid  happy  forever  Jtm  but 
a  trip,  we  Shall  all  meet  ng;.in  soon,  and  1  want  tu'  start  and  be  w.th 
Christ." 

"f  had  hoped"  said  fie,  "  to  do  gwd,  living  as  a  minister'  of  1he 
gospel,  but  perhaps  God  will  make  my  death  a  ministry  for  the  eou- 
version  of  those  dear  ones  who  are  jel  out  of  Christ.  1  may  do  more 
good  by  dying  than  by  living  "  These  h -q.es  have  not  beeu  in  vuirr. 
One  of  his  brothers  has  already  united  with  the  church  of  Christ. 
Another  dear  friend  to  whom  be  bad-appealed  in  a  former  serious  ill- 
ness, and  io  whom  later  he  sent  this  message,  '  Teli   Charles  M r- 

that  I  once  before  knocked  at  the  door  of  his  heart,  and  that  he  must 
strive  to  meet  me  in  heaven,"  writes  me,  "  his  warning,  from  the  death 
bed,  I  trust  have  not  been  in  vain.  I  feel  that  under  God  I  now  have 
a  hope  of  a  bettor  life."  He  called  ail  the  household  Jtven  the  ser- 
vants to  his  bed  side,  and  tenderly  gave  them  bis  dying  counsels  and 
bade  them  loving  fare  we!  Is  He  a»k'ed  them  what  messages  he  should 
bear  for  them  to  the  ransomed  loved  ones  who  had  gone  before- 
Referring  to  his  recent  death  Of  bis  joungegt  brother,  he  said,  with 
a  sweet  smile,  to  his  brother,  Dr.  Coleman,  *'  Dear  lit  tie  Willie!  I 
shall  be  more  fortunate  than  yon  were,  Robert,  you  went  to  Lexington 
to  see  him  and  were  dis  appointed,  but  I  shall  not  be  disappointed. 
I  shall  certainly  see  hi-m." 

Turning  to  his  beloved  wife,  who  had  been  an  unwearied  watcher 
and  ministrant  during  his  lingering  illness,  says  Rev  Mr.  Coleman, 
"he  prouounced  npou  her  character  and  life  a  most  tender  and  beau- 
tiful eulogv,  and  in  words  that  seemed  to  gush  from  the  depths  of  his 
soul,  praised  and  thanked  and  blessed  {jer  for  the*  happiness  and  joy, 
which  her  love  had  brought  to  his  heart  and  life."      -a 

He  charged  those  whe  ministered  to  him  with  pious  messages  to  the 
absent.     "Tell  Gen.  Jack- on  and  Gen*  Lee,"  said  he,  "that  they  know 
how  Christian  soldiers  can  tight,  aud    1  wisT*  they  couJd  see    nuw  how 
p.  Christian  soldier  oaa  di«u" 
4  -      ■• 


1-n  eawimuBieatiBg  Vnis  message  to  Geu.  Jackseu,  "Br.-G».lewta«  wrote, 
**;1  doubt  not,  General,  that  the  intimate  acquaintance  w*$h  yourself? 
Tvhich  my'brother  desired  on  earth,  will  be  vouchsafed  to  him  in 
Heaven,  and  that  when  your  career  of  usefulness  here  i«  ended, 'in 
■the  green  pastures  and  beside  the  still  waters  '  of  a  brighter  sphere, 
y<AU  and  he  will  meet  in  sweet  communion  and  fellowship,  and  that 
your  earthly  acquaintance  will  be  purified  and  perfected  into  an  eter- 
nal friendship  " 

Gen.  Jackson's  response  was  characteristic.    He^wrirbes : 

''Had  your  brother  lived,  it  was  my  purpose  to  become  better  acquain- 
ted with  him  I  saw  much  less  of  him' than  I  desired.  I  look  beyond 
this  life  to  an  existence  where  I  hope  to  know  hiur  better. 

Very  truly,  your  friend,  T.  J.  JACKSON." 

When  scarcely  five  weeks  had  passed,  these  anticipations  were  real- 
ized, and  these  sainted  spirits  met,  where  ho, sounds  nor  perils  of  wa?- 
•will-evermore  disturb  the' holy  repose  and  bliss- of  their  communion.. 

As  Arnold  had  been  bis  model  as  a  teacher,  «d  Havelock  was  hi&. 
'model  as  a  Christian  soldier.  And  almoet  the  words  of  Havelock 
were  those  which  he  transmitted  in  this  dyi ug>raessage  to  his  ow.mbe-- 
?loved  Generals. 

Ouce  only,  when  writhing  in  agony  intenpe.did  his  faith  fop  a  brief 
space  seem  to  fail,  and  he  expressed  a.  dread  that  God's  face- was  hid! 
from  him.  A  few  dttys  after  he  re-called  this  expression  of  doubt  to-, 
?mind  and  said  :  "  Doctor,  you  remember!  paid  1  did  not  feel  God's; 
presence  with  me.  I  could  not  hear  the  rustling  of  the  angela-piuionsv 
Now  1  know  that  he  is  near  me,  and;-I  feel  the  breath  ofVtha  angels 
^wings." 

1  Ue  exacted  from  his  younger  ^brother,  Dr.  Malcolm  Fleming,  who 
watched  constantly  at  his  bedside,  a  .promise  that  he  would  let  him 
.  know  when  his  end  was  approaching.  When  his  feeble,  sinking  pulse, 
indicated  the  speedy  termination  of  his  sufferings,  Malcolm  sykf  to  him, 
with  throbbmg  heart  and  streaming  -eyes,  "Brother  Lewis,  you  re- 
member my  promise."  "  Yes,  Malcolm,  do  you  think  I  annoying?  " 
He  could  only  bow  his  head  in  answers  Immediately  with  as  much 
composure  as  he  had  ever  given  a  lecture  to  a  class,  he  dictated  his 
last  will,  and  then  fell  asleep  as  calmly  as  in  childhood. 

When  he  atifoke  he  expressed  surprise  that  Jie  still  livedi.  He  had 
fallen  asleep  amid  the  farewells  rff  loving  lips,  and  ths  suppressed 
wailings  of  bleeding  hearts.  He-fca!  hoped  to  waken  in  Heaven. — 
«  Come  Lord  Jesus,  como  quickly,  O  come  quickly,"  whs  bis  frequent 
prayer.  He  was  asked  "  would  vyou  not  prefer  to  stay  wiih  usV" —  , 
"So!  no!"  he  replied,  "  I  prefer-to  go.'*  They  sang."  a.4  his  request 
such  hymns  as— 

''Jesus  and  shall  it  ever  b"> ; ' 

A  mortal  man  as  Earned  of  Thee." 

And 

"How  firm  a  foundation  ye  sa  nts  o§  the  Lord^ 
Is  laid  for  your  faith  in  LisexjeUext  Word." 
And,  in  fetble  tones,  he, joinedin  tL-  Ba  red  songg.    W#  in.  the-^night 


m 

be  asked  them  try  sing  the  hymn  commencing -"Jesus  I  Iot©  Thj 
charming  Name,"  and  the  last  verse  he  sang  with  them  in  faltering, 
dying  tones— 

"I'll  speak  the  honors  of  Thy  name 

With  my  last  laboring  brealh — 
And  dying  clasp  Thee  in  my  arms, 
The  antidote  of  Death." 
Some  said  to  him—"  You  will  soon  be  in  Heaven  ;  are  you  willing 
to  go?"    "Perfectly  willing"    "Certainly  I  am. '4     They  were  his 
last  words,  and  soon  in  the  early  dawn  of  J  be  morning  on  the  21st  of 
March,  1868,  he  fell  asleep  in  Jeass. 

When  the  summons  ot  death  comes  to  us,  may  we  each  be  ready 
tonay — "Perfectly  willing."     Certainly  I  am  " 

Young  Men  !  we  have  thus  presented*  for  your  contemplation  an  im- 
perfect Biirview  of  the  life  of  a  christian  scholar  and  soldier.  The  ex- 
traordinary deeds  of  some  world-worshipped  hero  or  fabulous  demi- 
god might  perhaps  have  better  amused  or  entertained  Ihe  multitude. 
cut  such  a  sketch  as  this  cafinol  fail  to  be  more  useful,  in  so  far  as  it 
is  practical  and  iuiiuibie.  Here  are  excellencies  you  may  attain,  a 
character  you  may  emulate,  a  life  you  may  copy. 

"  If  no  faults  shade  the  picture''  to  quote  the  be«utiful  Sentiment  of 
Rov.  Dr  Iloge,  in  speaking  of  another  of  Virginia's  noble  sons  fallen 
in  batt-Ie;  "  it  is  not  because  I  have  hidden  them  from  my  readers,  but 
because  grace  has  hidden  them  from  me." 

It  majr  be  true  that  Col.  Colemau's  natural  mental  endowments,  his 
original  physical  capabilities  were  of  a  higher  order,  than  God  has 
given  to  most.  But  as  a  practical  life  I  have  endeavored  to  sketch  one 
that  is  plainly  imitable. 

Perhaps  the  most  promiuent  characteristic  of  his  moral  nature  was 
his  conscientiousness.  In  little  matters,  as  in  those  more  important, 
he  was  accustomed  to  ask,  and  to  act  upon  answer,  what  is  duty ;? 
"  His  conceptions  of  duty  "  says  Major  Venable,  one  of  his  earliest 
and  latest  friends,  "  were  as  Irue  and  direct  as  his  performance  of  it 
was  thorough  and  exact."     This  is  imitab'e  by  all-- 

Persevering  industry,  including  earnest  attention  to  litt'e"  things, 
was  .another  marked  feature  of  Lewis  Oo'em  u's  life  In  his  studies, 
earlier  and  later,  in  all  the  {pracuea-i  routine  of  daily  rcquiiemcnfs, 
in  the  study  and  lecture-room,  <m  the  farm  and  in  the  Vamp,  whatev- 
er service  devolved  upon  him,  was  promptly  per  formed  He  seldom 
had  arrearages  of  business  to  bring  up.  U^  pushed  hia  work  steadily 
before  him,  rarely  needing  to  drag  it  a'oug  after  its  appropriate  hours. 
Such  an  example  may  be  wisely  copied. 

He  was  umtormly  cheerful  and  social.  He  always  had  a  pleasant 
word  for  al  I  he  met,  even  for  servants  His  lively  wit,  without  a 
shade  of  malice  or  ill-nature,  his  honest,  ringing  laugh,  the  wonder- 
ful sprighthness,  felicity und  tact  of  his  ordinary  conversation,  draw- 
ing as  from  a  perennial  spring,  sparkling  ril  Is  of  facts,  faucies  and  il- 
lustrations, made  him  a  mo3t  genial  aud  instructive  comuauion. 

He  evinced  iu  al)  his  life  the   most  unseliish  beuevolluce  of  spirit 


33,  *V  jj 

He  sought  to  promote  the  happiaess  of  others  rather  thH  his  own, 
He  lived  lor -others  rather  thau  for  himself.  No  friend  ever  asked  him 
for  a  favor,  who  did  not  meet  s  cheerful  and  ready  response,  if  the 
bestowinent  was  within  the  compass  of  his  means,  and  the  approval 
.of  his  conscience 

And  for  the  happiness  and  welfare  of  the  loved  ov.es  of  his  own  fam  • 
.  ily  circle  no  Sacrifice  was  deemed  too  severa.     There  seemed  only  one 
earthly  love  that  could  surpass  tb;it  of  Mother,  Father,  brothers,  sis- 
ters, wife  and  children,  for  him,  and  tint  -was  bis  love  lor  them.- 
And  this    trait  of  heart  too  is  imituble. 

Throwing  its  soft  light,  over  all  these  excellencies  was  his  beauti- 
ful humility.  He  rarel)'  made  himself  or  any  thing*  that  he  did  the 
theme  of  conversation.  "He  was  a  man  of^cw  professions,"  saya 
Major  Venable,  "  and  his  Christianity  found  more  expression  iu  ac- 
tion than  words,  yet  it  was  not  difficult  to  read  the  clear  simplicity  of 
his  life  and  character  "  .    , 

He  never  seemed  himself  aware  that  there  was  anything  especially 
meritorious  or  unusual  in  his  sweet,  genial,  benevolent  life.  He  nev- 
er seemed  conscious-,  even  upon  his  death  bed.  that  be  hnd  made  any 
notable sacraficejin  resigning  hU  elevated  position  at  the  University,  for 
his  humble  positron  in  the  army.  Ho  often  spoke  in  desponding  tones 
of  the  little  he  had  accomplished  as  a  student  and  a  christian,  and 
ever  longed  and  striigg  ed  for  higher  attainments  and  higher  useful- 
nes  s 

I-:„n  t  this  temper  worthy  of  imitation  ? 

The  supreme,  fostering  originating  principle'cf  all  these exec'Wenoics 
of  life  and  heaft  was  his  piety.  Er.riy  he  learned  that  "  beg'n- 
ning  of  wisdom,-' the  fear  of  t lie  Lord."  His  piety  was  not  the. 
mere  coloring  that  ornamented  life;  it  entered  into  the  warp  and 
woof  0/  his  inner-  nature.  He  loved  God  and  lived  in  daily  commu- 
nion with  the  redeemer,  and  thus  beefthie  "a  living  epistle  of  Jesus 
Christ,  known  and  read  of  ad  men." 

Have  I  not.  well  said  that  h.\      v.  as   an    imitable  life  .and   therefore 
well  worthy  <J  delineaiion  fbr-ihe  study  of  young  men  who  are  aim* 
-  ing,  at  something  beyond  mere  personal,  seFtish  enjoyment,  at  an  hon- 
orable, beneficent  life. 

One  who  knew  him  woll.and  loved  him  dearly,  has  beautifully  said  : 
"  As  the  dew  fallingj^^nfiy.  refreshing  and"  rendering  fruitful  the 
earth,  and  chrysiaj^jrar-'hpon  the  spires  of  grass  and  ih  the  calices  of 
flowers,  crownsj^FTFirh  diamonds,  the  brow  of  morning  so  the  unos- 
tentatious virjt«Te,  of  Lewis  Minor  Coleman  refreshed  the  hearts, 
gladdened  and  made  fruitful  in  good  deeds  the  lives  of  others;  and 
when  the  Sun  of  Righteousness ,  shall  arise,  those  virtues  will  shine 
more  resplendantly  as  gems  tn  thai  crown,  which  the  Righteous  Judge 
shall  give  to  him  on  that  day.'" 


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